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Carb or EFI

8K views 19 replies 18 participants last post by  Mr Bentwrench 
#1 ·
Looking to buy a new (second hand) bike, looking at Americas and Speedmasters, probably to keep - not sure I trust efi in the long term - what do others think?
 
#4 ·
Like the others said if you can work on carbs its fine and my EFI runs great. Its all what you are comfortable with. But both the America?speedmaster are fun bikes to have.
 
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#5 ·
The age old question. Carb or EFI, if you plan on doing mods and work on your own bike, I would go with carbs. One thing good about EFI they get better MPG. Both are probably just as dependable as each other.

I've got an 2007 carb model but if a good deal passed my way on an EFI model I would scoop it up. I've thought a couple times of just selling this carb model and go with a bone stock EFI unit and leave it all alone.

Getting older and wiser
 
#9 · (Edited)
The only thing bad about either one is a bad mechanic. I have carburetted bikes mainly because I can buy them cheaper. But I also do my own work. They all run great ! You have to expect that if you have a carburetted machine it will pop and grumble a bit on deceleration. No big deal. That is just part of thier "personality". If set up right, I'll take either one. ...J.D.
 
#10 ·
I've own mine for a year and no issues, 2016 Speedmaster , EFI.

My 1st bike had carbs. It was a pain in the butt to start when it was cold (was not a Triumph though) . I sold it. After that, all my bikes have had EFIs.

I would say EFI. But I am pro technology and do not like to look back. EFI is more efficient so I do not see the reason why go with carbs.
 
#11 ·
I tested both EFI and carb when I bought my bike.The carb version was smoother.The EFI had a "surge" when I opened and closed the throttle for a split second .A carb version came up for the right price and I got that ,I would have taken an EFI model though.The EFI seemed to have a bit more power from the get go but after modifying my carb version I'm happy.EFI fuel comsuption is a bit better I think but I'm getting nearly 20 KPL so I'm happy with that.
I would just take the best one available.EFI or Carb.
 
#13 ·
Some of the newer motorcycles (not Triumph in particular) sold in the US are pretty lean in spots with EFI. Having said that it sure is nice to experience immediate starts!
Carbs can be adjusted to take any flat spot out of the fuel curve if there are any. My BMW EFI bike exhibited flat spots on gentle acceleration and it always bugged me.
 
#14 ·
I've got a '02 America. It can sit in the shop all winter. Open the tap, pull the choke and spin it over. Starts in about 3-5 seconds. A tip = I always run the carbs completely dry if I am going to park it for any extended period. When I open the fuel tap, I wait about 20 seconds or so for the carburetors to re-fill since it is just gravity feed. Draining the carbs keeps the jets from clogging. ...J.D.
 
#15 ·
Had an 04 America for 8 or 9 years. Never had a problem with, or had to mess with, the carbs(or the bike). I live in a pretty cold climate and I can only recall a failure to start once in all those years. Now I have a '10 America EFI and it runs great, starts easily, and gets significantly better gas mileage than my old beloved '04 (36-40 mpg '04, vs mid 40's with my '10). Either carbs or EFI - you can't go wrong, whichever! Enjoy
 
#18 ·
They are nearly giving away leftover / closed dealer '15 / '16 Americas in New England. Consider new vs used depending on your budget. Also, wifey now has >15k miles on her '13 EFI America, loves the bike. Just did 1st tires, sprockets & chain. She has screen, TORs, bags on ez brackets, top box, lowered progressives, mustang seat & it's near perfect now she says.
 
#19 ·
there are brand new EFI America LT''s in the northeast area ( 2015's and 2016's) Wife just picked up a new 2015( 2 miles) for $7699. Green River said they knew of some still in the crates. look them up Greenriver Powersports Gil MA. Tell them one of there customers gave you the info. Good People. Jerry Horn
 
#20 ·
I'm an old carb guy and pretty proficient in Amal, Mikuni & Keihin and Colortune but my HD is my very first EFI bike and MY GAWD what you can do with a Powervision AND a real dyno tune is flat amazing! Sure made me a firm believer and I'm not going back! However, I'm looking at an '07 carb tomorrow but if there is ANYTHING as good as a 'Powervision' for the EFI Triumph, I may stand down and wait for an '09+. Is there a thread on here on 'EFI Tuners'? :)
 
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